Anyone Will Do

A guard hurried up to Kael'thas, bowed, and said, "Prince Highness, Lord Rommath is waiting to see you."

The Blood Elf Prince frowned. If it was Rommath, it must be related to Silvermoon City, or there was some important decision that required his approval.

However, there was something more important to do now. He led the three Legion that had fought alongside him in the Outland — Sunfury, Flame Raven, and Fire Wing— to conquer Tempest Keep and find the precious source of magic.

"I was just looking for him," Kael'thas said, bringing him to me.

It took several minutes to walk. During those minutes, the Archmage tried to recall his identity and the corresponding mannerisms. In the years since Kael'thas left, he had had very few opportunities to meet the Prince.

But faced with the oppressive aura of the Sunstrider, his heart, which he had finally managed to calm down, tensed up again.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Rommath." Kael'thas smiled, his clothes bearing the emblem of the Sunstrider Dynasty.

Rommath approached, stopping five steps away, bowing respectfully. He paused for a moment before speaking, "It is an honor, Your Highness. Your servant has brought the latest news from Silvermoon City."

"Ah! I haven't heard such news in a long time. Fighting in this wretched land of Outland rarely gives me time to think about the other world," the Prince said, sensing that Rommath was not in a good mood and that he might bring bad news. Kael'thas coughed. "Alright, tell me, how is our home?"

"The Regent led the Sin'dorei in their efforts to rebuild their homeland, and we also eliminated the traitor Dath'Remar Drasil and reclaimed parts of the Ghostlands..."

"This is all good news, but why do you look so uneasy, Rommath? The Sunwell above, you haven't said what you wanted to say."

For Rommath, every time he saw Kael'thas, it reminded him of the fate he had suffered. It was like having a scabbed wound torn open again, causing excruciating pain that lingered for a long time.

"Your Highness, for the sake of a better life for the people and to accelerate the construction of Silvermoon City, Alleria has decided... to re-establish contact with the Alliance."

Kael'thas's sunny smile vanished, replaced by a grim expression. The surrounding light dimmed, not due to a decrease in sunlight or anything else—the three jewels encircling the Prince's head swallowed all the surrounding light like black holes.

"Alleria has given me a difficult problem." Prince Sunstrider stared at Rommath, the Archmage now completely unable to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry to trouble you, Rommath."

"No, Prince Highness. I have tried my best to persuade Windrunner not to do this, but..."

"But Alleria sent you to find me, didn't she?"

"Yes."

Rommath felt his lips go dry, a strong discomfort rising in his chest. He seemed to sense what was about to happen. Kael'thas paused, carefully observing the reaction on his face. He clenched his teeth, but remained silent.

"Allies are indeed needed," the Prince said after a long pause, "But not the Alliance." His eyes blazed with Abomination. "I don't want my people to be sent to build watchtowers again, to face the Scourge alone. Tell Alleria, anyone is fine, but not the Alliance!"

His words struck the Archmage like a stone. Rommath was astonished by Kael'thas's answer. He recalled Alleria's words: If you feel the Alliance is not trustworthy, then let other forces take its place.

In a daze, Rommath wondered if this was a coincidence or if Alleria had planned it from the beginning. Had she anticipated the Prince's words? Anyone would do, except the Alliance. If that were the case, then Alleria's initial target wasn't the Alliance, so who was it? Rommath felt a chill run down his spine!

"Your Highness..."

Kael'thas slowly shook his head. "Thank you very much for coming here and telling me so much. But there are still many things in Outland that I need to deal with. We have just captured Tempest Keep. And I have a task for you; I need you to bring something back to Silvermoon City."

A few days later, Alleria sat at her desk, carefully reviewing the minutes of the meetings that had taken place over the past few days. Rommath had been gone for many days, and the Regent needed the Archmage to give her a clear answer immediately. She already had a definite opinion in mind, but she also knew very well that no one would agree with this decision. To be precise, she herself would even be condemned by some. She rubbed the bridge of her nose vigorously with her thumb and forefinger, intending to make herself a cup of tea, when she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"What is it?" she answered the door.

Vareesa rushed in through the door and said, "Sister, you should go and take a look."

Alleria frowned in confusion. What had happened? Had more civilians been attacked by the Mindless Ones? Or had the defenses of the Death's Scar weakened?

"What happened?" Alleria looked into her sister's eyes. She forced a smile, trying to reassure the uneasy Vareesa: "Tell me slowly."

"Rommath is back."

"What's so strange about that?" Alleria chuckled, secretly pleased that the magistrate had returned at just the right time. "Let him come to see me."

"I'm afraid you'll have to go see him, and he doesn't like waiting!"

"This is outrageous!" Alleria said, displeased. "I am the Regent!"

"He brought something back, and he didn't even mention you or Liadrin. In short, things aren't simple."

"If Kael'thas hadn't been backing him up, he probably wouldn't have dared to be so rude." The Regent took a sip of his sweet tea. "Let's go, let's see what tricks the Archmage is up to."

They walked through the newly built Royal Trade District and arrived at the Inner Sanctum. Vareesa led Alleria to a white wall. She waved her hand at a crystal nearby, and a hidden door opened. She gestured for Alleria to enter, indicating that she would not go in herself.

"I'm right outside, sister."

The study's layout is very simple, entirely function-oriented: a bookshelf filled with grimoires, a desk and a chair against the wall. The overall style doesn't seem to suit the Blood Elf's tastes.

When the Regent entered, Rommath greeted him with an expression that seemed half helpless and half angry. He forced a smile.

I thought you wouldn't come.

"How could I dare refuse the Archmage's request?"

Lor'themar glanced quickly at the box on the table. "It's a pleasure to have you here to witness this; it's very important for Liadrin." The mage then quickly turned back to look at the Female Elf behind him.

Alleria's gaze bypassed Rommath and focused on Liadrin, the priestess who had once believed in the Holy Light but had been completely transformed into Warrior. Her haggard appearance showed that she was suffering from the corrosive effects of Fel Addiction.

"What did Prince Highness say about my suggestion?" Alleria asked with utmost seriousness.

I'll tell you in a bit.

After Rommath finished speaking, he walked step by step toward the large table in the room. Alleria crossed her arms, slowly growing impatient. What could be more important than what she wanted to do?